"Self-realization is the knowing – in body, mind, and soul – that we are one with the omnipresence of God; that we do not have to pray that it come to us, that we are not merely near it at all times, but that God’s omnipresence is our omnipresence; that we are just as much a part of Him now as we ever will be. All we have to do is improve our knowing.”
--Paramahansa Yogananda
WELCOME!
Thank you very much for your interest in this Meetup group. We encourage you to read the following information as it will give you an idea of what we are all about. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send us a message.
In divine friendship,
Bruce and Dani
ABOUT US:
Our meditation circle is composed of devoted members and friends of Self-Realization Fellowship, a worldwide non-profit religious organization with international headquarters in Los Angeles, California.
Since 1920, Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) has been dedicated to carrying on the spiritual and humanitarian work of its founder, Paramahansa Yogananda, widely revered as the father of Yoga in the West.
Paramahansa Yogananda founded SRF to make available the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.
These yoga methods quiet body and mind, and make it possible to withdraw one's energy and attention from the usual turbulence of thoughts, emotions, and sensory perceptions. In the clarity of that inner stillness, one comes to experience a deepening interior peace and awareness of the divinity within ourselves.
For more information on the life and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, please visit the official website of Self-Realization Fellowship: https://yogananda.org/
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
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*I WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA AND HIS TEACHINGS. WHERE DO I START?
A brief overview of Paramahansa Yogananda’s life can be found here: https://yogananda.org/paramahansa-yogananda
As an introduction to Paramahansa Yogananda's teachings, we suggest that you read the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi https://yogananda.org/autobiography-of-a-yogi
TIP: The Autobiography is also available in the Ottawa Public Library’s catalogue free of charge: https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/22742026
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*DO WE TEACH YOGANANDA'S TECHNIQUES DURING OUR MEDITATION SERVICES?
Paramahansa Yogananda's meditation techniques are not reviewed during our meditation services. Step-by-step instructions in the techniques that he taught are given through the SRF Lessons for home-study (see next question).
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*WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE SRF LESSONS FOR HOME STUDY?
In his talks and writings printed in his many acclaimed books for the public, Paramahansa Yogananda offers a wealth of practical guidance for spiritual living — how to live joyfully and successfully amidst the unceasing challenges and opportunities in this world of change. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons are for those who want to learn to convert that inspiration into a daily spiritual practice.
The Lessons are unique among Paramahansa Yogananda’s published works, in that they give his step-by-step instructions in the yoga techniques of meditation, concentration, and energization that he taught, including Kriya Yoga.
For more information about the SRF Lessons for Home Study, visit: https://yogananda.org/lessons
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*WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN OUR MEDITATIONS?
All our meditation services are open to the public and we warmly welcome all sincere seekers.
You do not need any background in meditation to attend our services, although it is helpful to study the meditation techniques provided the SRF Lessons.
If no techniques are known, silently call on God in the language of your heart.
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*IS THERE A CHARGE FOR OUR MEDITATION SERVICE?
All activities are free. Because we are completely volunteer-supported we have optional free will donation boxes at our services and events.
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*WHAT OTHER BOOKS BY PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA DO YOU RECOMMEND?
The collection of Paramahansa Yogananda’s talks and essays is a great introduction to his teachings. In this anthology, Yogananda explores a wide variety of spiritual topics such as meditation, life after death, health and healing, the unlimited powers of the human mind, the equality of man and woman, and the interrelatedness of all life.
Volume I: “Man’s Eternal Quest”
Volume II: “The Divine Romance
Volume III: “Journey to Self-Realization”
The anthology is available for purchase in the SRF bookstore: http://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/ and Amazon.
Paramahansa Yogananda was a prolific author… we invite you to peruse his titles in the link provided above.
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*ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Visit our website: https://www.srfottawa.org/
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SRFOttawa
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/srfottawa/
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